The Current State of Low-emission Vehicle Introduction into the Fleet of Government Owned General Vehicles

August 18, 2003

The Prime Minister has directed that the entire fleet of government-owned general vehicles ⁽¹⁾ should be replaced with low-emission vehicles within a targeted time frame of three years, beginning in FY2002. In response, government ministries and agencies have drawn up an introduction plan and have been promoting the procurement of low-emission vehicles.

The Ministry of the Environment has compiled and announced the number of low-emission vehicles introduced during FY2002, as well as the number of such vehicles scheduled to be introduced in the future.

Governmental bodies will promote procurement based on their plan, aiming to replace all government-owned general vehicles with low-emission vehicles by the end of FY2004.

At the Cabinet meeting held on May 8, 2001, the Prime Minister directed the replacement of all government-owned general vehicles with low-emission vehicles within three years, starting in FY2002. The Prime Minister also ordered efforts must be made to acquire low-emission vehicles for all vehicles that would be replaced during FY 2001.

In response to the direction and to ensure a smooth transition, the Cabinet decided on June 22, 2001 to partially amend the Basic Policy on Promoting Green Purchasing (hereinafter referred to as "Basic Policy"). The Basic Policy had been established based on Article 6, Para. 1 of the Law concerning the Promotion of Procurement of Eco-friendly Goods and Services by the State and Other Entities (Law No. 100, 2000). The amendment clarified which government-owned general vehicles were to be replaced with low-emission vehicles.

Concerning the official vehicles for state ministers and other senior government officials, a full switch to low-emission vehicles was completed by the end of September 2002, in accordance with the direction from the Chief Cabinet Secretary on April 2, 2002.

In response to the Prime Minister's direction, government ministries and agencies have formulated low-emission vehicle introduction plans and have been working to complete the replacement of all 6,773 ⁽²⁾ government-owned general vehicles by the end of FY2004. During FY2002, a total of 1,822 vehicles, consisting of two natural gas vehicles, 890 hybrid vehicles and 930 fuel-efficient, low-emission vehicles, were introduced into the fleet. Currently, the government is in the possession of 3,147 low-emission vehicles, which accounts for about 45% of the total number of government-owned general vehicles.

Notes: 1.	Government-owned general vehicles are standard or small-size passenger cars with a seating capacity of ten or less used for ordinary administrative works.
2.	This figure is a current projection and is subject to change in the future.

Actual and Planned Introduction of Low-Emission Vehicles (Government-Owned General Vehicles)

As of March 31,2003

By FY 2000 FY 2001 FY 2002 FY 2003 (scheduled) FY 2004 (scheduled) No. of vehicles introduced 316 1,015 1,822 1,843 1,853 Electric motor vehicles 8 0 0 0 0 Natural gas vehicles 57 6 2 5 38 Methanol vehicles 0 0 0 0 0 Hybrid vehicles 251 487 890 1,027 1,191 Fuel-efficient, low-emission vehicles 0 522 930 811 624 No. of vehicles in possession 316 1,327 3,147 4,920 6,773 Rate of introduction 4% 19% 45% 73% 100%

Notes:	1.	Data include vehicles owned by the Diet and courts, as well as ministries and agencies.
	2.	Figures for FY 2001 and FY 2002 are actual numbers.
	3.	Since the number of vehicles (including the type of vehicle) for and after FY 2003 is the expected number at the point of FY 2002, the number may change afterwards. Even in that case, the rate of introduction will still be 100%.
	4.	Difference in the number of vehicles between those introduced and those in possession is due to transfer of ownership to independent administrative institutions established during or after FY 2001.